…to shape global fisheries governance at UN Ocean Conference
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has urged governments and development partners to integrate indigenous knowledge systems into formal fisheries management, thus promoting equitable and sustainable ocean governance.
Speaking at a high-level side event during the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Mrs. Arthur said traditional practices such as taboo fishing zones, sacred groves and closed fishing days have helped conserve marine ecosystems for centuries and should be formally recognised in national and international frameworks.
“The fisheries sector is vital to Ghana’s economy, food security and identity. Yet it faces immense pressures from overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and climate change,” the minister told participants.
“To bridge the gap between traditional stewardship and formal governance, we must recognise indigenous systems as central to sustainable and equitable outcomes.”
The event, organised by Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, was held under the theme Bridging Conservation Gaps: Integrating Indigenous Practices for Equitable Fisheries in Ghana. It brought together policymakers, civil society groups, scientists and development partners to discuss inclusive approaches to ocean conservation and fisheries management.
Mrs. Arthur highlighted the country’s efforts to formalise community involvement through its fisheries co-management policy, which includes the creation of Community-Based Fisheries Management Committees.
She also noted that President John Dramani Mahama has appointed a fisherman as an adviser on indigenous knowledge to the ministry, in what she described as a “clear signal of political will” to elevate traditional practices in marine policy.
The session produced several recommendations, including calls to systematically document indigenous fishing practices, integrate traditional knowledge into national fisheries plans, include such knowledge in school curricula and improve partnerships between governments, scientists and fishing communities.
The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Muhammed, also addressed the gathering, backing the fisheries minister’s call for a blended approach to fisheries governance.
“The health of our oceans is inextricably linked to the well-being of our people,” he said, adding that Ghana remains committed to protecting 30 percent of its ocean space by 2030 in line with global targets.
Speakers at the event included Prof. Rashid Sumaila-University of British Columbia; Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako of Ghana’s University of Energy and Natural Resources; Dr. Kristin Kleisner-Environmental Defence Fund; Dr. Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood -University of St. Andrews; and Nana Jojo Solomon, President-Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council.
Mrs. Arthur closed the session by urging international partners to increase investment in indigenous and community-led marine conservation. “True sustainability is not only about ecological balance but also social equity and cultural integrity,” she said.
Ghana’s participation in the UN Ocean Conference 2025 affirms its role as a continental leader in fostering inclusive, knowledge-driven and resilient approaches to ocean and fisheries governance.
